​If you need it, get cataract surgery👍​

[ExiledInIllinois]

15 minutes ago, LewPort71 said:

I had mine done in fall 2023.  I am now the official sighter when I play golf with my geezer buddies who have not yet

had the surgery.  I opted for the long vision, so reading glasses are used for reading the paper.

I was out of pocket about $200 and Medicare paid the rest.

 

Nice! But us younger ones will never see this.  Pun intended!

 

If I make it 10 years, I will be bumping into crap like my 15 year old cat.

[Wacka]

I have Medicare and Medicaid. The basic lenses.  My cost $0.

What the cataracts cost me was a new car. Last yearI turned in front of an oncoming car  and could have sworn that there was no car coming. I was headed into the sun. in the morning.

[Greybeard]

    I had cataract surgery 3 years ago.  I could get along fine with a daily routine, but the cataracts really showed up when I used a VR headset. After the surgery, my vision improved from requiring glasses for driving to nearly 20/20.  Amazing.

   If you are old, you may develop cloudiness later.  There is a procedure to eliminate that called YAG.   I had that about 6 months ago, but I still have a little cloudiness left.

 

     I don't find it convenient to have to use readers.  I need 1.25 to see my computer monitor, but 2.5 to read at normal book distance.  I have been using Dollar Store readers for that, although I also have two pairs of progressive readers that I got at Walmart for $25, which work well when I am on a phone or tablet.  I understand that Medicare will reimburse part of the cost for new glasses, but I'm unsure of the exact amount.   

 

    I suggest starting with the cheaper readers, to see if you can get along with single correction or if you prefer something else.   When I finally decide to get a new pair of glasses, they will be progressive readers. 

[djp14150]

On 7/31/2025 at 7:01 PM, Wacka said:

Those who are close to my age (late 60s) know what I am talking about.This is for the younger board members.

I was told I was beginning to get cataracts about 7 or 8 years ago, but could put it off for a few more years. First noticed what looked like fine mist or smoke coming out of the car dash vents when I was  driving at night. Over  time, the glare  from approaching headlights hot worse nd worse and several years ago stopped driving at night unless absolutely necessary. Was going to get them taken care of last year, but I was recuperating from my kidney transplant. Since then, they have gotten worse, which the eye doc said could be from the anti-rejection meds I take. Last summer, totaled my car   turning into oncoming traffic I swear I didn't see. This year had trouble seeing clearly on overcast days.

Got the first one done last week and the other today. I'll see how the second is with the follow up tomorrow. What a difference! Only out for  20 minutes. On the way home 30 minutes after going under. No pain at all from the operation. The only pain was the BP cuff.

My mom had it done when she was 91 by the same doctor.

It also can come from karataconus.  This is the misshappening of your cornea. It also cau a rs streaking lights at night.  Eventually you need s cornea transplant

[SoTier]

On 8/3/2025 at 10:54 PM, ExiledInIllinois said:

...12k PER EYE!  On high-end... lol... My luck I'll need the expensive treatment. 😔...

 

"The average cost of cataract surgery in the United States typically ranges from $1,808 to $11,730 per eye, depending on various factors such as the type of procedure and the intraocular lens used. Insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, so it's important to check with your provider for specific details."

 

The high cost is because of the type of lens you choose.  The regular lenses don't cure eye problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism, which means if you wore glasses in the past, you will probably have to wear them after surgery.   The more expensive lenses not only do away with your cataracts, they also can fix other vision problems; they can also be "progressive" lenses like the no-line bifocals used in eye glasses.

 

I have worn glasses for 50+ years, and bifocals for 40+.   I don't feel comfortable without glasses, especially when I work in my garden, so I would probably always be wearing safety glasses or sunglasses when outside and using readers inside.  I can't stand readers, so  I opted for the regular lenses, and paid $600 per eye out of pocket.  I have a Medicare Advantage plan through Highmark.   Before cataract surgery, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to pass the eye test even with my glasses when I got my license renewed.  A few weeks after the second cataract surgery, I passed the licensing eye test without glasses.   With my prescription eye glasses (the same ones I had pre-surgery), I have 20-20 vision.  

 

On 8/4/2025 at 2:43 AM, US Egg said:

 

Place my wife went recently said 3k-6k out of pocket depending and with Medicare advantage? Got to revisit or compare elsewhere I guess. I want that money for vacation. 

 

Medicare Advantage plans have physicians/physician practices that are "members", ie they accept what Medicare pays with some extra fees for certain procedures (like cataracts).   Look for practices that belong to your Medicare Advantage plan for the best deal.  Then decide if you want to pay extra for the upgraded lenses.

Edited August 7 by SoTier

[DrW]

Both eyes within the last 2 years, with excellent results. My ophthalmologist and I went for the "mixed" approach. The left eye was restored to full 20/20; the right eye was left slightly near-sighted to allow me to read without glasses. It is amazing how fast and how correctly the brain can decide which image to use. The only disadvantage is that I would need glasses for 3D.

[Turf Toejam 34]

Had one done a couple of years ago at age 53.   It seems more genetic than anything else.    The doctor that examined me said that I would be back for other one soon.   Knock on wood, seven years later still okay.    They didn't do a special lens as I had already had LASIK.    As long as you do the drops religiously, the recovery was super simple.   

[Wacka]

5 more days of drops in the second eye and I'm done.

[Figster]

4 days since the surgery on my right eye. Left eye was done about a month ago. The right eye unless it improves did not go as well. Fairly significant difference in vision between the 2 eyes. Also felt pain during the procedure on the right eye I did not feel on the left.

 

So right now I'm a little disappointed in the outcome. The cataract in my right eye was not noticeable yet.

[T&C]

7 minutes ago, Figster said:

4 days since the surgery on my right eye. Left eye was done about a month ago. The right eye unless it improves did not go as well. Fairly significant difference in vision between the 2 eyes. Also felt pain during the procedure on the right eye I did not feel on the left.

 

So right now I'm a little disappointed in the outcome. The cataract in my right eye was not noticeable yet.

Sometimes it takes a few days Fig... don't give up hope. Do you have another follow up appt. other than the one the day after?

[Figster]

1 minute ago, T&C said:

Sometimes it takes a few days Fig... don't give up hope. Do you have another follow up appt. other than the one the day after?

I'm hoping it improves and the eye is still slightly dilated. I do have another follow up.

 

I hope all is well on your end and thanks for the reply

[Figster]

Getting follow up on my right eye surgery tomorrow. My 2nd eye surgery went a little differently. My right eye is slower adjusting from the surgery. Tested 20/20 after patch removal the next day, but not the same clarity. Significant difference looking through Binoculars focusing.(right to left) Stayed slightly dilated until I stopped the eye drops per instructions on Friday.

 

Seems to be slowly improving.

Edited August 24 by Figster

[Augie]

16 minutes ago, Figster said:

Getting follow up on my right eye surgery tomorrow. My 2nd eye surgery went a little differently. My right eye is slower adjusting from the surgery. Tested 20/20 after patch removal the next day, but not the same clarity. Significant difference looking through Binoculars focusing.(right to left) Stayed slightly dilated until I stopped the eye drops per instructions on Friday.

 

Seems to be slowly improving.

 

We have a friend who got it done fairly recently. The right eye was more difficult than expected and they waited to do the other eye. She was making me nervous, but now that some time has passed she’s very happy. I hope the same goes for you!

 

I have my annual eye appointment Tuesday and we will talk about it……. again. My right eye is pretty bad (I got hit in the eye which “put some miles on it” according to the specialist), but the left is MUCH better. 

[Figster]

2 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

We have a friend who got it done fairly recently. The right eye was more difficult than expected and they waited to do the other eye. She was making me nervous, but now that some time has passed she’s very happy. I hope the same goes for you!

 

I have my annual eye appointment Tuesday and we will talk about it……. again. My right eye is pretty bad (I got hit in the eye which “put some miles on it” according to the specialist), but the left is MUCH better. 

Surgery always comes with some risks. Considering the improvements I've seen in a little over a week. Hopefully I'm following down the same path as your friend.

 

Let us know how everything goes for you, and thanks for saying

[Wacka]

One month post the first eye. I am going to Lens Crafters Friday to  see what my eyes are now.  Wearing sunglasses on sunny days because of the brightness.  Had bifocals before. Driving is nice and clear when driving without glasses.  Reading laptop screen is a little blurry w/o glasses.  Probably will only need readers.  

[Figster]

Follow up on my 2nd eye surgery today. My eye doctor says everything looks good. I may need in office laser surgery down the line. Right eye isn't as good as left, but my right eye may improve over time as the implant settles in place. Another appointment a month from now.

[SoTier]

On 8/25/2025 at 11:19 AM, Figster said:

Follow up on my 2nd eye surgery today. My eye doctor says everything looks good. I may need in office laser surgery down the line. Right eye isn't as good as left, but my right eye may improve over time as the implant settles in place. Another appointment a month from now.

 

It's common for the surgeries on the eyes to be a little different from each other.  My second surgery (right eye) felt a little "scratchy" at first but it's fine.

 

The laser surgery in office, if necessary, only takes a few minutes.   I was able to drive myself home afterwards.

[Figster]

On 8/26/2025 at 6:33 PM, SoTier said:

 

It's common for the surgeries on the eyes to be a little different from each other.  My second surgery (right eye) felt a little "scratchy" at first but it's fine.

 

The laser surgery in office, if necessary, only takes a few minutes.   I was able to drive myself home afterwards.

I'm happy to report now on both eyes

 

 

 

[Augie]

3 minutes ago, Figster said:

I'm happy to report now on both eyes

 

 

 

 

CONGRATS!

 

I had “the talk” with my eye Doc on Tuesday. Again. She gave me the list with all the Docs and circled and made notes by some. I had told her I was leaving Wed for the Bills game so I needed extra contacts since mine will take time to arrive. My Doc went to the list she had given me and marked a guy she had already circled as “Bills Fan”. She sent another WNY patient who reported back he’s a huge Bills fan. He gets a look, at least.

 

She can correct me for now, so I’m going to keep monitoring for a while and put off the surgery. I figure I’m perfectly content and they just get better with this stuff every year. 

[Augie]

On 8/26/2025 at 6:33 PM, SoTier said:

 

It's common for the surgeries on the eyes to be a little different from each other.  My second surgery (right eye) felt a little "scratchy" at first but it's fine.

 

The laser surgery in office, if necessary, only takes a few minutes.   I was able to drive myself home afterwards.

 

1 hour ago, Figster said:

I'm happy to report now on both eyes

 

 

 

 

You guys are ahead of me, so I’m curious to hear your thoughts. My Doc (who we LOVE) gave me a thumbnail sketch of options for the type of lenses available. It may have been a bit of overload, tbh. What kind of lenses do you have and why? Are you happy with the selection? What are your suggestions?